Sailing in the Northern Adriatic: Discover Istria & Kvarner
The Northern Adriatic, often called "the small Tuscany", is one of Croatia’s most captivating sailing destinations. This region, encompassing the Istrian Peninsula and the Kvarner Gulf with its stunning islands—Krk, Cres, Lošinj, and Rab—offers an authentic Mediterranean experience without the crowds.
Why Choose the Northern Adriatic for Sailing?
- Easy Accessibility: Well-connected to Central Europe, the region is easily reachable by car or plane. Five international airports (Rijeka, Pula, Zagreb, Trieste, and Ljubljana) are within a 150 km radius, making travel seamless.
- Diverse Sailing Experiences: Whether you seek tranquil bays, lively coastal towns, or hidden coves, the Northern Adriatic offers a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
Marina Veruda, Pula
Sailing Highlights in the Northern Adriatic
Istrian Coast & Islands
Pula & Brijuni National Park: Start your journey from Pula, home to the impressive Roman Amphitheater. Just a short sail away lies the Brijuni National Park, an archipelago of 14 islands with breathtaking landscapes, historical ruins, and diverse wildlife. A visit to Veliki Brijun offers an opportunity to explore Roman villas, a safari park, and crystal-clear coves, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
Rovinj & Poreč: These picturesque coastal towns exude Mediterranean charm, with colorful facades, narrow cobbled streets, and vibrant marinas. Rovinj is famous for its hilltop St. Euphemia Church, offering panoramic views of the Adriatic. Poreč, on the other hand, boasts the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, a masterpiece of early Byzantine art. Both towns offer excellent waterfront dining, perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and Istrian delicacies.
Limski Fjord: A spectacular natural channel between Rovinj and Poreč, this narrow bay is known for its dramatic cliffs, calm waters, and excellent seafood restaurants. It’s an ideal stop for those seeking a peaceful anchorage surrounded by stunning nature.
In the inner part of the canal, except with a special permit, sailing and anchoring are prohibited because it is a protected area for growing fish and shellfish. You can anchor in the bay of Soline, which is protected from all winds except the NW, or sail into the Valalta marina (see Valalta marina).
Brijuni National Park
Kvarner Gulf & Islands
Krk Island – The Gateway to Kvarner: The largest island in the Adriatic, Krk offers diverse landscapes, historic towns, and hidden coves. Visit Baška for its famous sandy beach, Vrbnik for wine tasting in one of the region’s oldest vineyards, or the medieval town of Krk for its charming old town and lively marina.
Cres Island – A Hidden Gem: Cres is a paradise for nature lovers, featuring dramatic cliffs, serene beaches, and lush greenery. The town of Cres has a picturesque waterfront and traditional taverns, while the secluded bay of Valun is perfect for a peaceful swim. Don't miss a visit to Lake Vrana, a unique freshwater lake supplying drinking water to the island.
Lošinj – The Island of Vitality: Known for its healing microclimate and lush pine forests, Lošinj is a wellness retreat on the sea. The town of Mali Lošinj is a bustling hub with a beautiful promenade, excellent seafood restaurants, and a vibrant marina. Dolphin watching tours are popular here, as Lošinj is home to a large population of bottlenose dolphins.
Rab Island – The Island of Sandy Beaches: Unlike most Croatian islands, Rab is known for its sandy shores, particularly the famous Paradise Beach in Lopar. The historic town of Rab, with its four iconic bell towers, offers a medieval charm, lively cafés, and a rich cultural scene.
Krk Island, Vrbnik
Secluded Bays & Hidden Coves
For those seeking tranquility, the Northern Adriatic offers numerous unspoiled anchorages:
Unije & Susak – Two small islands southwest of Lošinj, perfect for off-the-beaten-path sailing. Unije has a laid-back, car-free atmosphere, while Susak is unique for its sandy terrain and vibrant traditional dresses.
Sv. Ivan Beach, Cres – A remote, stunning white-pebble beach accessible only by boat or hiking. Ideal for a peaceful escape.
Kvarnerić – The stretch of sea between Cres, Lošinj, and Rab offers numerous secluded bays where you can drop anchor and enjoy the pristine beauty of the Adriatic.
The island of Rab
Culture, Gastronomy & Nature
Rich History & Heritage
The Northern Adriatic is a region where history comes alive. Whether you explore the Roman ruins of Pula, the Venetian heritage of Rovinj, or the medieval charm of Rab, every stop on your sailing journey reveals a piece of the past.
Pula Amphitheater – One of the best-preserved Roman arenas in the world, this magnificent structure still hosts concerts, festivals, and even gladiator reenactments.
Motovun & Grožnjan – Perched on hilltops, these Istrian towns are steeped in history, offering medieval streets, breathtaking views, and vibrant cultural events, including film and jazz festivals.
Vrbnik (Krk Island) – A charming village perched on a cliff, home to Croatia’s narrowest street and some of the best local wines.
Osor (Cres & Lošinj) – A small town with a unique open-air sculpture park, highlighting its ancient past as a former Roman settlement and trading hub.
Rab Town – A beautifully preserved medieval town famous for its four bell towers, narrow streets, and the traditional Rab Cake, a local delicacy made from almonds and Maraschino liqueur.
Motovun
Gourmet Delights
The Northern Adriatic is a paradise for food lovers, offering fresh seafood, world-class wines, and authentic regional specialties. Whether dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a family-run konoba (tavern), every meal is a celebration of local flavors.
Istrian Truffles – The forests around Motovun are famous for their black and white truffles. Join a truffle hunting tour and enjoy fresh truffle-infused dishes paired with local wines.
Fresh Seafood & Adriatic Delicacies – Taste grilled scampi, Adriatic calamari, and local specialties like Brodet, a rich seafood stew, often served with polenta. Pag & Cres Lamb – The unique diet of these island-raised sheep, grazing on aromatic herbs, gives their meat a distinctive flavor.
Istrian & Kvarner Wines – Sample award-winning wines like Malvazija (a crisp white) and Teran (a rich red). The vineyards of Istria and the Kvarner region are gaining international recognition for their high-quality production.
Olive Oil from Istria – Recognized as some of the best in the world, Istrian olive oils have won numerous awards. Visit a local mill for a tasting session.
Breathtaking Landscapes & Pristine Nature
The Northern Adriatic is a sailor’s dream, where turquoise waters meet lush greenery, rugged cliffs, and golden sunsets.
Brijuni National Park – A unique archipelago with a safari park, Roman ruins, and untouched nature. Ideal for a peaceful anchorage and exploration.
Cape Kamenjak (Premantura) – A rugged nature park at the southern tip of Istria, offering dramatic cliffs, hidden beaches, and excellent snorkeling spots.
Platak & Učka Nature Park – For those who want to combine sailing with a bit of hiking, these scenic mountains near Rijeka offer panoramic views over the entire Kvarner Bay.
Blue Caves of Cres – A magical spot where sunlight creates a glowing blue effect inside the cave—perfect for an unforgettable swim.
Dolphin Watching in Lošinj – Lošinj is home to a large population of bottlenose dolphins, and you can join an eco-friendly dolphin-watching tour.
Anchorage on the island of Cres
There are several yacht charter destinations and marinas from which you can set off on a sailing trip around the Istria and Kvarner bay: Pula, Rovinj, Krk, Lošinj.
